Risk Reduction (DUI) Regulated Program FAQs

What is the process for becoming a certified Risk Reduction Instructor?
Applicants must first apply with DDS and if approved will attend a 4 day new instructor training conducted by Prevention Research Institute (PRI). Download the DUI New Instructor application. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division. All applicants are required to submit electronic fingerprints through the Georgia Applicant Processing System as part of the application process. To access the 3M privacy statement regarding the applicant's personal information, please visit www.ga.cogentid.com. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be a certified, licensed, or credentialed substance abuse counselor.

What are the education and work experience requirements for a DUI Instructor applicant?
The education/work experience requirements must be met by one of the following methods:

Method #1

Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a human services related field including, but not limited to: Education, Chemical Dependence Administration, Community Mental Health, Counseling/Guidance, Criminal Justice, Nursing/Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Counseling, etc.

Method #2

Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study

PLUS

2 years of documented work experience (20 hours per week or more) teaching, counseling, or training

Method #3

Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study

PLUS

3 years documented part-time experience as a teacher of trainer

Method #4

At least 2 years of full-time work experience as a licensed, certified, or credentialed substance abuse counselor and a copy of high school diploma or GED

PLUS

6 months documented experience as a group counselor or group facilitator

How do I become certified as a DUI Instructor, Director, and/or Program Owner?
You may visit the? Risk Reduction (DUI) Regulated Program page for information and applications. All documents on the application checklist are required and must be included when applications are submitted to the Regulatory Compliance Division. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to DDS. All owners/corporate officers are required to submit electronic fingerprints through the Georgia Applicant Processing System as part of the application process. To access the 3M privacy statement regarding the applicant's personal information, please visit www.ga.cogentid.com. Please allow a minimum of 30 days for processing. Incomplete applications may results in further delays.

How and when do I become recertified?
Certifications are for a period of four years, unless otherwise noted. Expiration dates are listed on the program and instructor certifications. The DUI Director/Instructor Recertification Application and the Program Recertification Application may be downloaded from our website. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division. Fingerprinting is required for recertification.

Instructors must submit documentation of at least 32 contact hours of approved continuing education, obtained during the certification period, of which a minimum of sixteen hours must be program specific courses such as DDS-sponsored sessions or PRI-sponsored training. Instructors must also provide proof that they have instructed at least four (4) classes during the certification period.

Directors must submit documentation of at least 16 contact hours of approved continuing education, obtained during the certification period, of which a minimum of eight hours must be program specific courses such as DDS-sponsored sessions or PRI-sponsored training.

I was fingerprinted when I initially became certified. Why do I need to be fingerprinted again for recertification?
Fingerprints that are used for non-criminal justice purposes are only retained by the Georgia and Federal Bureaus of Investigation for a matter of days and then purged, hence the need to be re-fingerprinted. In addition, the decision to recertify an individual or entity must be based on current criminal history results.

Will I receive a reminder about the expiration of my certification?
As of April 1, 2014, all Renewal Reminder Notices to programs and instructors are only sent via email. As a result, it is imperative that DDS is notified immediately of any changes of email addresses. Please be mindful that DDS sends renewal reminder notices as a courtesy. Programs and instructors should be cognizant of their expiration dates and begin the renewal process within 30 to 60 days prior to that date.